Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:56 pm on 12 December 2017.
I do take the point from the Member that relying on a traditional predict-and-provide model does not always deliver the desired outcomes that we would wish to see in our communities. However, in all probability, as I said earlier to Jenny Rathbone, the development and the roll-out of autonomous vehicles and the reduced ownership but increased usage of vehicles could well lead to increased demand, therefore, for road space on a more regular basis. It is essential that we use an evidence base but, equally, that we do what we can to shift behaviours and attitudes towards transport. That can be a longer term objective, but it's nonetheless one that we are keen to pursue. It's one that we are keen to pursue from the earliest age, which is why I said earlier that we are changing the framework for road safety in Wales to encourage more young people, from the age of three upwards, to view active travel as the most desirable form of travel. I think the sort of behavioural change that is required in order to reduce the use and the dependence on private vehicles is something that we should instill at the earliest age. Almost like the change in attitudes towards recycling, I do believe that changing attitudes towards active travel can be shaped and can be inspired by younger people. That's certainly something that I'm determined to do.